Golf: Rankin receives Bob Jones award
Judy Rankin, who won 26 professional tournaments and was recently inducted into the World Golf and LPGA Tour Halls of Fame, has been named as the recipient of the United States Golf Association’s Bob Jones Award for 2002.
Presented annually since 1955, the USGA’s top award is given in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf.
It seeks to recognise a person who emulates Jones’ spirit, his personal qualities and his attitude toward the game and its players.
‘‘This is an enormous honour,’’ said Rankin. ‘‘Being a golfer since childhood has given me so many great experiences and opportunities. The game has meant so much to my family and me.’’
The 56-year-old is currently more widely recognised as a television golf commentator, but she was a steady winner on the LPGA Tour from 1968 through 1979.
In 1976, she won seven tournaments, set a single-season earnings record, was named Player of the Year and won the Vare Trophy for low scoring average.
That same year, she set a record that still stands with 25 top-10 finishes and became the first LPGA player to earn more than US dollars 100,000 in a season.
